Obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disorders

Aims: To review the pathophysiology and the clinical features of the cardiovascular disorders associated to the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Source of data: The review was based on a search in PubMed. The main criteria were peer-reviewed journals and wellknown authors in the area of sleep medicine. Summary of findings: The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is characterized by a recurrent complete or partial obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, resulting in periods of apnea, oxyhemoglobin desaturation and frequent awakenings, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness. Recent articles confirm the relationship between this syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. The treatment with continuous positive airway pressure is highly effective, improving the breathing pattern during sleep and the sleep setting repairer, and thus, optimizing the quality of life, and reducing or reverse many of the cardiovascular complications related to obstructive sleep apnea. Conclusions: There is strong evidence of association between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disorders. Although the correct diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and Cheyne-Stokes breathing is determined by polysomnography, a clinical suspicion for these respiratory sleep disorders should be raised by history of snoring, apnea assisted by a partner, and excessive daytime sleepiness.